Petrol thefts and burglaries are increasing across region

North Yorkshire Police say that criminals are travelling from other parts of the country to steal fuel and petrol in North Yorkshire, including Scarborough.

A member of the North Yorkshire Police rural task force said that “dark nights” have contributed to an increase in commercial and business burglaries as well as thefts of machinery and fuel.

The update on rural policing was presented to councillors representing Scarborough and Whitby on North Yorkshire County Council.

Councillors were told that due to the rising costs of living and petrol there had been an increase in thefts of fuel as well as vegetable oil, which can be used in certain types of vehicles.

An officer from the task force said the police had been targeting criminals in the area “quite aggressively” and “proactively”. He said this has included the use of pursuit vehicles and drones.

Officers will also be focusing on illegal fox hunting with councillors told that if an offence was identified, suspects would be charged.

Cllr Rich Maw said that trail hunting, where hunters follow a scent along a predetermined route, has been “accused of being a smokescreen for actual fox hunting”.

Cllr Maw said: “I want to thank you for looking into trail hunting… [fox hunting] is a rural crime and I’m pleased you’re taking it seriously.”

Earlier on in the meeting, the issue of trail hunting was raised with Sir Robert Goodwill, the MP for Scarborough and Whitby, who was attending the meeting.